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LONDON. — Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has admitted they will struggle this season after being outspent by the English Premier League’s top clubs in the summer transfer window.

The 30-year-old centre-back made his return against champions Leicester City on Sunday and impressed for the Gunners in the 0-0 draw at the King Power Stadium.

Koscielny missed all of pre-season after his involvement at Euro 2016 and the France international has vented his frustration after the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea splashed the cash.

On whether Arsenal will be battling for the title, Koscielny answered: “Always. We are Arsenal – we fight for the title. Every game we play we want to win the game.

“This season will be very difficult because of the top clubs spending a lot of money on transfers, it’s unbelievable.

“But sometimes the collective can be better than individual players. So we want to keep our philosophy and play football.”

Gooners are praying Arsene Wenger brings more reinforcements to the Emirates after only securing deals for Granit Xhaka and youngsters Takuma Asano (who has been denied a work permit for this season), Rob Holding and Kelechi Nwakali this summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal ‘s Joel Campbell has joined Sporting Lisbon on a season-long loan.

The Costa Rica international will join compatriot Bryan Ruiz at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Campbell scored three goals in 19 English Premier League games last season for the Gunners but is now surplus to requirements once again.

The 24-year-old, who can play all across the front line, was expected to stay with the Gunners after Danny Welbeck’s injury. — Metro.